(PMS)
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- What is PMS?
- Symptoms of PMS
- Causes of PMS
- Prevention of PMS
- Risk factors for PMS
- Complications of PMS
- When to see a doctor about PMS
- Diagnosis of PMS
- Conventional treatment of PMS
- Alternative/complementary treatment of PMS
- Living with PMS
- Caring for someone with PMS
Risk factors for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
While PMS is a recognised medical disorder, the underlying cause has not been really identified, but experts have come up with some possible risk factors associated with PMS:
- Blood glucose imbalances - an exaggerated insulin response to carbohydrates (glucose) is tied with associated symptoms of low blood glucose, cravings and increased appetite during PMS. Some experts think that this abnormal insulin response to glucose may be tied with higher than normal eostrogen levels, because this triggers more insulin insulin to be released into the blood, dropping glucose levels more than necessary and causing symptoms such as dizziness, increased appetite, headache and food cravings (especially for sweet foods, that have a high glycemic index (GI) and which can bring glucose levels back to normal very quickly). This may be the reason why some women experience intense cravings for sweet foods during PMS
- Genetics - studies show that women whose direct female relatives (mothers and grandmothers) had PMS will most likely experience it too and probably very similar symptoms too
- Hormone problems - studies show that when the ratio of eostrogen to progesterone is unbalanced, this can trigger symptoms of PMS, irrespective of whether the ratio is too low or too high. The correct levels of eostrogen (which increases energy) and progesterone (which acts as a depressant) are needed to maintain a proper balance and create harmony. Other studies have shown that PMS may be triggered by imbalances in other hormones - serotonin, adrenaline and androgen. In addition to this, an underactive thyroid function can also exacerbate symptoms of PMS
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- Nutritional deficiencies - many experts believe that nutritional deficiencies could be the main reason that PMS occurs. It is thought that a diet high in processed foods, refined sugar, excess salt and lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and foods high in omega 3 essential fatty acids (such as oily fish). Numerous studies have shown that calcium levels are greatly reduced in a high percentage of women with PMS, which means the body may not be using calcium properly during PMS and this could be causing a deficiency in this essential mineral, which could be further exacerbating symptoms. Studies also show a deficiency of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) could be a contributing factor to the bloating symptoms. Other studies show that many women could be deficient in magnesium, a mineral that helps the muscles relax, which could be why many women binge on chocolate during PMS, as chocolate is high in magnesium. Yet other studies show the whole range of B vitamins may be deficit in women with PMS, as well as the essential fatty acids and especially gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) (which is the reason why naturopaths prescribe evening primrose oil for PMS as it is very high in GLA)
- Stress and emotional problems - it is well known that stress can make any health condition worse, so it is no surprise that it can also makes PMS symptoms worse. While stress does not cause PMS, it can trigger symptoms and make them worse. Stares affects the adrenal glands to produce the hormones noradrenaline, aldosterone, adrenaline and cortisol, which affect and regulate fluid balance in the body, mood, appetite and response to stress. Studies show that stress caused by emotional trauma, especially those that are ongoing, can disrupt balance of hormones in the body and trigger PMS. Many studies have shown that reducing stress through techniques such as yoga or meditation can significantly reduce symptoms of PMS
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< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 15 August 2008 || Last updated: 9 January 2010
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
